Banco Santander, meanwhile, said profit in the fourth quarter was 2.2 billion euros (3.1 billion euros) by about 13 percent over the previous year. For the year, it recorded a profit of 8.9 million, second only to 2007, before the relevant markets crashed.

The bank said it had also reached 2.6 million euros of capital gains over time, which is located right next to the capital reserve. Bromoney core capital stood at 8.6 percent, said the bank.

Alfredo Saenz, general manager of Santander, said it expects further write-downs in 2010, but gave no figures.

“Non-performing loans is expected in 2010 and reached its climax in the middle of the year,” Mr. Saenz said in a press conference in Madrid.

Santander shares closed on Thursday at $ 12.65 $ 1.53, or 10.8 percent.

With respect to Spain, adding that he will stay below 4 percent of the total portfolio of the bank, as expected. For Latin America, predicted about 4.25 percent. Spain, a decline in real estate, as deep as that of the United States, but Banco Santander has helped himself with his extensive activities remotely.

In October 2008 Banco Santander agreed to buy a 75 per cent, which no Sovereign Bancorp, was established in Philadelphia. The group said Prince equilibrium in the fourth quarter for the first time since reaching the power play, and that his change is imminent.

“Sovereign any gains achieved in 2009, but in 2010,” said Saenz.

In Britain, where Santander is the name of the Abbey and Bradford & Bingley Change units of Banco Santander, the bank grew 55 per cent of the profits for the year. Santander plans to pass all of 1300 Abbey and Bradford & Bingley branches under the name of the group later this year. The other British unit of Alliance & Leicester.

In Brazil, the group $ 8 billion in October from the sale of a share of 16 percent of Banco Santander in Brazil has raised an initial public offering. In addition to saving time, its operating profit in the country, 23 percent for the year and looks to continue on.